Restorative Dentistry

What is Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry is an umbrella term for the treatment and diagnosis of conditions relating to the teeth and any structures that support them. Restorative treatment is commonly used to repair damaged or missing teeth. This field also includes the treatment of damaged oral tissue or bone structure. Restorative procedures can be instrumental to increasing the aesthetic appeal of a person's smile and can have several benefits for general oral health; untreated tooth decay can cause infection to spread to other teeth or parts of the mouth. Missing and damaged teeth can also lead to malocclusion which has implications for the actions of eating and talking.

Examples of Restorative Dentistry

Common examples include the insertion of crowns, bridges and fillings and the attachment of veneers; these are also known as prosthodontic treatments. Restorative dentistry also includes the treatment of damaged tooth structures; the most common procedures include root canal treatment, where the infected pulp of the tooth is removed and an apicectomy, which involves accessing an affected tooth through the bone.

Restorative Dentists

Dentists who wish to practice restorative procedures must usually undergo additional study following the completion of a dentistry degree; this usually takes a period of 5 years.